May 2008 Sky Events

Observer Location:Beijing (39.904°, 116.407°)

Monthly Sky Events Overview

23 sky events total, including 4 moon phases and 1 planetary events.

Daily Sky Events

All times are in local time (Asia/Shanghai)

Group Date Sunrise/Sunset Moonrise/Moonset Moon Phase Sky Events

Planetary outlook

May 2008 mid-month observing conditions

Mercury

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 0.4
Constellation: Gemini
Angular diameter: 8.2"
Status: near superior conjunction

Observation tip: Visible to the naked eye; Mercury stays close to the Sun; best seen at dusk or dawn

Right ascension: 04h58m55s
Declination: +25°03'43"

Venus

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -3.9
Constellation: Taurus
Angular diameter: 9.7"
Status: near inferior conjunction

Observation tip: Very bright, easily visible to the naked eye; Venus is the brightest planet and is best seen at dusk or dawn

Right ascension: 03h02m14s
Declination: +16°16'25"

Mars

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 1.3
Constellation: Leo
Angular diameter: 5.3"
Status: near western quadrature

Observation tip: Visible to the naked eye; Its reddish appearance is obvious; it is best observed near opposition

Right ascension: 08h21m53s
Declination: +21°10'22"

Jupiter

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -2.5
Constellation: Capricornus
Angular diameter: 43.0"
Status: near eastern quadrature

Observation tip: Very bright, easily visible to the naked eye; Its moons are easy to spot and it is excellent for telescope observing

Right ascension: 19h36m28s
Declination: -21°38'56"

Saturn

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: 0.6
Constellation: Virgo
Angular diameter: 18.2"
Status: near western quadrature

Observation tip: Visible to the naked eye; Saturn’s rings require a telescope to see clearly

Right ascension: 10h17m49s
Declination: +12°29'12"

Uranus

Fair
Apparent magnitude: 6.0
Constellation: Pisces
Angular diameter: 3.4"
Status: near eastern quadrature

Observation tip: A telescope is required; Binoculars or a telescope are recommended

Right ascension: 23h31m31s
Declination: -03°53'37"

Neptune

Fair
Apparent magnitude: 7.8
Constellation: Aquarius
Angular diameter: 2.3"
Status: near eastern quadrature

Observation tip: A telescope is required; A telescope is required; Neptune appears blue-green

Right ascension: 21h46m32s
Declination: -13°45'06"

Moon

Excellent
Apparent magnitude: -12.7
Constellation: Virgo
Angular diameter: 11758.2"
Status: Moon illumination 77.7%

Observation tip: Moon illumination 77.7%; good for observing lunar surface detail

Right ascension: 11h48m18s
Declination: -01°51'32"